On Jan. 9, I watched Gov. Andrew Cuomo's third State of the State in its entirety with particular interest in his gun control notions. Given his speaking style, his rhetorical flourishes soared and bordered on the hysterical at the end. Of course, he defined those who would be concerned about his proposals as only hunters and sportsmen. Quite predictably, he failed to define the issue in terms of others who are concerned.
Specifically, it would not fit his agenda to acknowledge that many Americans/New Yorkers are more concerned about a government monopoly of deadly force, the ability to protect one's home and person from criminals and the ability to resist a tyrannical government. To do so would completely undermine many of his proposals. Compare the murders at the hands of assorted domestic murderers like in Newtown, Conn., or Aurora, Colo., with what governments have done to their own citizens during the 20th century. Our death toll numbers in the hundreds and the pain suffered by victims' families is truly unspeakable. But, in contrast, governments have slaughtered tens of millions — Russians, Jews, Chinese, Mayans, Armenians, Christian Ugandans, Cambodians — all murdered by their own governments on a massive scale.
Our government is armed with incredible firepower. All we citizens have are hand-held weapons. Should we really trust in government's perpetual beneficence and surrender the meager defenses we have?
ANTHONY BIANCHINI
Colonie